Tuesday, 29 September 2009

Hi, my name is Sarah, I frequently forget how old I am but I have gone past 30! My postal address is in rural Bedfordshire but I live in my own little world called Land Cuckoo!

Have you always been crafty, or is something that you've picked up more recently?

I have always enjoyed making things, as a child it was usually from items found in the garden or out on walks (I still pick things up and carry them home in my pockets!). Whilst my friends played with their Barbie dolls I used to design and make the gardens for them, that is when we were not attempting to make the longest daisy chain in the world.

Have you been particularly influenced by any other artists or events?

Colour is my main influence but can be so hard to choose which to use as I just like colour in general! Daily walking in the countryside gives me the chance to absorb nature's palette.

What other artists are you excited about seeing at Handm@de Cambridge?

Looking forward to seeing Poor Robin's work in the flesh as I find it so appealing online, same with Snapdragon's actually. I am very intrigued by Emma Passey Design from what I have seen of her work on her website and Claire Hurd has some lovely products which I think I would like to own!

What is your favourite piece?

Ooo thats a tough one, I like the first time I use a new fabric and see what it looks like once it is completed. These memo boards are so bright and jolly, a good dose of red should be had everyday. The scent inside these hearts is just wonderful and it gives me a good reason to play around with a number of different fabrics and buttons. Sorting the lavender is probably one of the more tedious jobs I have to do but I am so relaxed by the end of it, nothing matters! Just have to make sure it is the last job of the day or I'd not manage to do anything else!

Are there any specific pieces you fancy that will be at Handm@ede Cambridge?

Hi, I'm Claire and I have been working as a Textile Designer since graduating from University in 2001. I am currently working freelance and running my own Textile Design business based in Hampshire. I create unique handmade embroidered textile artworks, illustrations and accessories for high street retailers and my own online stores.

Have you always been crafty, or is it something that you've picked up more recently?

I have always been crafty, busy making things and altering and adding to shop bought clothes and textiles. I was awarded two RSA bursary prizes in 2000 which really kick-started my career working with high street retailers. In the last year, with much encouragement from friends, I have also set up my own website and online stores selling the embroidered textile goodies that I had been creating as presents for them.

Have you been particularly influenced by any other artists?

I have a keen interest in embroidered illustration and love the work of Belinda Downes and Clare Beaton. I also admire the delicate work of Caroline Zoob. With over 8 years of experience in designing for the interior textiles market I also have many designers I admire in that field such as Tricia Guild, Orla Kiely and Cath Kidston.

What is your favourite piece?

My favourite pieces are my framed embroidered artworks - in particular my Boating Artwork. The small scale motifs take a lot of care and attention to make so I can lose myself in a textiley world as I create them. The design also makes me think of my many lovely childhood holidays spent on the Dorset coast - very special times.

Are there any specific pieces you fancy that will be at Handm@de Cambridge?

I look forward to seeing what beautiful papers Gemma with a G has found recently and being able to see her cut-out butterfly cards first hand.